Erin McKenna's Bakery is a dedicated gluten-free bakery with multiple locations
Erin McKenna's Bakery is a chain of bakeries that specializes entirely in gluten-free baked goods. The bakery was founded by Erin McKenna, a pastry chef who developed gluten-free recipes and opened the first location in New York City. Today, the bakery operates multiple locations across the United States, with shops in New York, Los Angeles, and other cities, as well as an online ordering option for shipping.
The bakery produces all of its items in a dedicated gluten-free facility, which means there is no cross-contamination risk from shared equipment or ingredients. This matters if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, since even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction. Every product is made from scratch using gluten-free flour blends and other certified gluten-free ingredients.
You can visit a physical location to buy items fresh, or you can order online for delivery or shipping to your home. The online ordering system lets you browse the full menu, select items, and choose your delivery date. Shipping is available across most of the United States, though shipping costs and delivery times vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Erin McKenna's Bakery operates entirely gluten-free facilities with no shared equipment, so cross-contamination is not a concern.
- The bakery has physical locations in several cities and also ships baked goods nationwide through its website.
- Menu items include bread, pastries, cookies, cakes, and seasonal offerings, all made with gluten-free flour blends.
- Prices are higher than conventional bakeries because gluten-free ingredients cost more and production runs are smaller.
- You can place orders online for pickup at a physical location or for shipping, depending on which location is nearest to you.
What you can order and how the menu is organized
The menu changes seasonally, but the bakery consistently offers several categories. Bread includes sandwich loaves, dinner rolls, and specialty breads like sourdough. PastriesCookies and barsCakes
The bakery also rotates limited-time offerings based on the season — pumpkin items in fall, peppermint flavors in winter, and fruit-forward pastries in spring and summer. You can check the current menu on the website before you order, since not every item is available every day or at every location.
Prices vary by item and location. A loaf of bread typically costs more than a conventional bakery loaf because the ingredients are more expensive and the production volume is lower. Individual pastries and cookies are priced similarly to specialty bakeries in your area. Whole cakes require advance notice and custom ordering through the website or by phone.
How to order online and what to expect for shipping
To order online, visit the Erin McKenna's Bakery website and select your nearest location or choose the shipping option. You will see the current menu for that location, which may differ from other shops. Add items to your cart, select your preferred pickup or delivery date, and proceed to checkout. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and payment information.
For local pickup, you choose a date and time window, then collect your order at the bakery location. Items are fresher when picked up the same day or next day. For shipping, the bakery packs items carefully to protect them during transit. Shipping times depend on your location and the shipping method you select. Standard shipping typically takes three to five business days, though this varies by region.
Shipping costs are calculated based on your zip code and the weight of your order. The bakery uses insulated packaging and ice packs to keep items fresh during transit. Perishable items like fresh pastries and cakes ship best during cooler months; summer shipping may be limited or require expedited options to prevent spoilage.
Pricing and what affects the cost of your order
Gluten-free baked goods cost more than conventional bakery items for several reasons. Gluten-free flour blends are more expensive than wheat flour. The recipes often require additional binders, starches, and ingredients to achieve the right texture. Production runs are smaller because the customer base is smaller, so the per-unit cost is higher. The bakery also maintains a separate facility to avoid cross-contamination, which adds to overhead.
A single pastry might cost between $4 and $8, depending on the type and location. A loaf of bread typically ranges from $6 to $10. Cookies and bars are usually $3 to $5 each. Whole cakes start at a higher price point and increase based on size and complexity. Shipping adds to the total cost, and the amount depends on how far your order travels and how much it weighs.
Some locations offer loyalty programs or email discounts if you sign up for their mailing list. Check the website or ask in-store whether your nearest location has a rewards program or seasonal promotions.
Visiting a physical location versus ordering online
If you live near a physical Erin McKenna's Bakery location, visiting in person lets you see and smell the fresh items, ask staff questions about ingredients, and take your order home when ready. The staff can tell you which items were baked that morning and answer questions about specific allergens beyond gluten. You can also try items before committing to a large online order.
Ordering online is better if you do not live near a location, want to send a gift to someone out of state, or prefer to browse the menu at your own pace. Online ordering also lets you schedule delivery for a specific date, which is useful for birthdays or special occasions. The trade-off is that you pay for shipping and items arrive a few days later rather than fresh from the oven.
Some locations also offer catering for events. If you are planning a party or gathering and want gluten-free baked goods, contact your nearest location directly to discuss options, minimum orders, and pricing.
Understanding ingredients and allergen information
All items at Erin McKenna's Bakery are gluten-free, but the bakery does work with other common allergens. Many items contain dairy, eggs, and nuts. Some products are made with tree nuts or peanuts, and cross-contact can occur during production if you have a severe allergy. The website and in-store menu include allergen information for each item, but you should read the label or ask staff before purchasing if you have allergies beyond gluten.
The bakery uses certified gluten-free flour blends and ingredients. If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you can feel confident that the facility is dedicated to preventing cross-contamination. However, if you have multiple food allergies, you will need to check the specific product information for each item you want to order.
Ingredient lists are available on the website for most items. If you cannot find the information you need online, call your nearest location or email customer service with your question. Staff can provide detailed ingredient information to help you make a safe choice.
How to find a location near you and contact information
The Erin McKenna's Bakery website has a location finder tool. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you the nearest bakery, hours of operation, address, and phone number. Each location page also lists the current menu for that shop, since offerings can vary slightly between locations.
You can call a location directly to ask about specific items, place a custom order, or ask questions about ingredients and allergens. Many locations are also active on social media, where they post photos of new seasonal items and announce limited-time offerings. Following their social media accounts is a way to stay informed about new products and special promotions.
If you have a question that is not answered on the website, use the contact form or email address listed on the site. Customer service typically responds within one business day. For urgent questions about a current order, calling your nearest location is usually faster than emailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is everything at Erin McKenna's Bakery gluten-free?
Yes, every item is gluten-free and made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. There is no cross-contamination risk from shared equipment or ingredients. However, items may contain other allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts, so check the allergen information if you have other food sensitivities.
Can I order a custom cake for a special occasion?
Yes, the bakery takes custom cake orders. Contact your nearest location by phone or through the website to discuss your needs, preferred flavors, design, and delivery date. Custom orders typically require at least a few days' notice, and pricing depends on size and complexity.
How long do baked goods stay fresh after I receive them?
Fresh pastries and bread are best eaten within one to two days of purchase or delivery. Cookies and bars last longer, typically three to five days in an airtight container. You can freeze most items for later use — wrap them well and thaw at room temperature before eating. Check the packaging or website for specific storage instructions for each product.
Do you ship to all states?
The bakery ships to most of the United States, but some states or remote areas may have restrictions or higher shipping costs. Enter your zip code on the website during checkout to see whether shipping is available to your location and what the cost will be.
What payment methods does Erin McKenna's Bakery accept?
The website accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods like PayPal or Apple Pay. In-store locations may also accept cash. Check the website or call your nearest location if you have questions about payment options.